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Shopping for a used pickup truck on a budget? Odds are, you don’t want to find yourself stuck behind the wheel of a total dud. Well, the options can be dizzying. But, set your budget at $30,000 and you may be surprised at how much truck you can buy. Add these to your list.

The 2014 and the 2019 Honda Ridgeline are among the best used trucks under $30K

Don’t overlook the 2019 Honda Ridgeline if you’re in the market for the best used truck under $30K. In fact, the 2014 Honda Ridgeline is a reliable used truck, according to CarBuzz. The organization even gave it a five nine out of 10 reliability rating. It also praised the truck’s “phenomenal” ride and its clever lockable trunk in the bed.

While many will say that a unibody truck isn’t a “real” truck, for 99% of truck users, we think the Ridgeline gets the job done. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds, it’s bed is composite so it won’t rust or dent, it seats five in comfort. Also, the 3.5-liter V6 gives it enough power to keep up with any other V6-powered full sized truck, with the added bonus of great handling and all-wheel drive.

The best used trucks: don’t overlook these used Toyota Tacoma model years

A tan 2017 Toyota Tacoma parked in front of mountains, the 2017 Toyota Tacoma is one of the best used trucks under $30K
2017 Toyota Tacoma | Toyota

The Toyota Tacoma is among the most well-known used trucks on the road today. And if you’re shopping for the best used pickup trucks under $30,000? Odds are the Toyota Tacoma is on your list. But for the best used Toyota Tacoma model years? Take a look at trucks from 2010 to 2015.

These model years are among the most reliable Toyota Tacoma models. These trucks could be bought with either a fuel-efficient 2.7-liter four-cylinder or a powerful 4.0-liter V6 engine. They come in two- or four-wheel drive. Though the driving position is a bit odd for a truck, with a low seat and long reach to the pedals, that high floor gives these trucks excellent ground clearance for off-road shenanigans.

The best used trucks: Toyota Tundra model years on a budget

The Toyota Tacoma isn’t the only used Toyota truck worth checking out. The largest Toyota truck, the Tundra, sells used for less than $30,000 and has a reputation as a reliable truck. In fact, J.D. Power gave it a “Great” reliability ratings. The most reliable used Toyota Tundra models include the 2011 through 2013 models too, and J.D. Power gives them a great resale value.

While Ram and Ford were busy updating and improving their trucks, the Tundra from this era stayed pretty much the same. That means parts are easy to get if it does break. These trucks, however, gained legions of fans for their stout frames and big V8 engines that can tow up to 10,400 pounds, which was a big improvement over contemporary trucks from Ford or Chevy.

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Writer - Sedans & Coupes

Dan Mayfield

Dan joined MotorBiscuit in 2022 with over 20 years of experience in journalism and a lifelong passion for anything related to the automotive industry. He grew up wrenching a 1949 Ford pickup truck and an MGB with his dad, learning how not to wire a fuel pump (he inadvertently set the MGB on fire).

After earning a bachelor’s degree in photojournalism from the University of New Mexico, Dan has contributed his expertise to a range of local outlets, including the City of Albuquerque, US Eagle, and the Alliance for Local Economic Prosperity.

On weekends, Dan spends Saturdays enjoying “cars and coffee” chats and, on Sundays, he’s watching the Route 66 Cruise roll through town. He also races motorcycles, and it’s not unusual to find him elbows-deep in his latest cafe racer build.

Taking advantage of the local desert terrain, Dan also enjoys exploring and driving off-road in his trusty Ram Rebel pickup truck, which provides personal insights into his contributions to our Trucks, SUVs, & Crossovers coverage. Dan strives to give our readers unique information about the dynamic automotive market, reading anything that has to do with cars, trucks, bikes, 4X4s, and, in his words, “everything with a motor.”

Dan has earned a number of accolades from the Public Relations Society of America, and is a University of Southern California, Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism Fellow.